This series consists of case files that include correspondence and copies of forms relating to the documentation and ownership of vessels and ships of varying classes, sizes, and tonnages. Files may include a Notice of Award of Official Number, Designation of Homeport, Certificate of Tonnage Admeasurement, Oath of Loss of Document, Preferred Mortgage Endorsement, Oath of Vendee, Transferee, or Mortgagee, copies of vessel licenses, bills of sale, and master carpenter certificates. Vessel case files were closed when a maritime carrier such as a steamship, sailing vessel, or yacht was lost, registered under a foreign flag, or changed its homeport. The records include those relating to the registering, enrolling, and licensing of vessels, the titles of vessels, and the sale or other conveyance of the vessel title to new owners.